Kukla's Korner Hockey

NEW YORK (January 27, 2011) – A Stanley Cup Champion, Norris Trophy winner and one of the best defensemen to ever play the game, Rob Blake, will join the NHL’s Hockey Operations Department as a manager, the National Hockey League announced today.

Blake will work with Senior Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell and his staff on all aspects of the game. He will work closely with hockey executives on the Club level and be involved with the Competition Committee and the NHL’s summer Research and Development Camp.

“Rob Blake wasn’t just one of the greatest defensemen ever to play in the NHL, he was one of the game’s most thoughtful players,” Campbell said. “We are fortunate to be able to add someone with his long list of on-ice accomplishments and varied talents to the League’s Hockey Operations department. We plan to rely heavily upon his two decades of playing experience – particularly his unique understanding of the game as it is being played today.”

Said Blake: “I am delighted to be joining the NHL’s Hockey Operations department and at having this opportunity to continue to have an impact upon the game that has been such a major part of my life. The chance to continue to enhance an already great on-ice product at the League level is especially intriguing after so many years spent focusing upon individual team success. And I am excited to be working with Colin Campbell, Mike Murphy, Brendan Shanahan and the entire Hockey Ops team.”

Blake officially retired from the game on July 18, 2010 following a remarkable 20-year NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks. The Simcoe, Ontario native was originally selected by the Kings in the fourth round (70th overall) of the 1988 NHL Entry Draft. He was selected for the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1991 and appeared in seven All-Star games (1994, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004).

He finished his career with 777 points (240 goals, 537 assists) in 1,270 games which places him 18th all-time among NHL defensemen all-time. His 240 goals rank 10th all-time and his 136 power play goals place him third all-time among blueliners.

Blake has also had an illustrious International career, representing Canada in the Olympics three times (1998, 2002 and 2006) and appearing in five World Championships (1991, 1994, 1997, 1998 and 1999). Blake was also selected to play for Team Canada for two World Cup of Hockey tournaments (1996, 2004) but did not play in 2004 due to injury.

He is one of only 24 players in hockey history to join the “Triple Gold Club”, winning a World Championship (Canada, 1994 and 1997), Olympic Gold Medal (Canada, 2002) and the Stanley Cup (Colorado, 2001). Blake became the 11th member on Feb. 24, 2002 with Team Canada’s Olympic Gold Medal at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games